Customer Reviews

Tissue Economies: Blood, Organs, and Cell Lines in Late Capitalism (Science and Cultural Theory)

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This book offers a highly interesting presentation and analysis of the ways tissues are handled, sold, used and conceptualized. For example blood, umbilical cord blood, cell lines and organs are discussed. Tissue Economies does not only describe the use of these tissues, but has also analytical discussions of biovalue, waste and information. Also the meaning of gift is discussed.
The economies of tissues are global questions that are intertwined in many different phenomena. Even nationality and selfhood are at stakes in these interactions.
I recommend this book to students of biosciences, women's studies and sociology. Reading Tissue Economies requires some background knowledge, but is not a difficult read.

I find this book's strongest asset to be the historical discussions of blood banking systems and waste tissue lawsuits in the US and UK. The book outlines where the lines are drawn between flesh and cash: what tissues can be sold, which only gifted, and how else are they entangled? Donation, waste, banking, pools . . . toxic assets, etc.

If you love mixed metaphors, surgical theatres and social policy, this one is for you.